Inter made things harder for themselves when Mario Balotelli was sent off with 30 minutes remaining and the Nerazzurri were forced to defend in order to hold on for a point.

"We could have lost this match but considering how the game developed, I believe this result is a positive one,'' Mourinho said. "Rubin played well. "They pressed, they had a big incentive as they were playing at home and were making their debut in their own stadium in this competition.

"I prefer to talk about the efforts of my team rather than certain individuals. I already spoke to Balotelli and told him what I needed to tell him.''